52 [2] 
It may not be irrelevant to add, that there has been a steady pro- 
gressive improvement, as respects both the number and quality of the 
arms procured. The product of the National Armories will, this 
year, exceed, by two thousand stands, that of any former year; and of 
a quality equal to any that have ever been manufacUired in the 
country. 
I have the honor to be, Sir, 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
GEO. BOMFORD, Lt. Col. 
On Ordnance duty. 
The Hon. John C. Calhoukt, 
Secretary of War, 
